On Saturday, March 28, 2015, through a sponsorship by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), From Lot to Spot, with Cyclists Inciting Change thru LIVE Exchange (C.I.C.L.E.), invites you to The Hot SPOTS Tour, a community bicycle ride highlighting formerly blighted, empty lots that have been developed into beautiful green spaces for the entire community to enjoy.

Starting from the Metro Green Line Crenshaw Station, the ride will travel through Hawthorne and the surrounding area, making stops at the Dominguez Enhancement and Engagement Project (DEEP), 118th and Doty Pocket Park, the Lennox Community Garden, and the Eureka Tasting Kitchen. At each spot, participants will learn about the space’s transformation and the history of the local area.

This free ride is open and accessible to all experience levels, leisurely-paced and will return to the starting point at the end of the event. This 6.5-mile ride is fully supported and led by trained Ride Leaders, volunteers and a certified EMT. Prior to departing, we will address safe street riding and group ride etiquette to ensure smooth sailing.

When: Saturday, March 28, 2015

Time: Meet at 10 a.m., the ride will leave promptly at 10:30 a.m.

Where: Metro Green Line Crenshaw Station

12101 S. Crenshaw Boulevard

Hawthorne, CA 90250

Accessible by Metro Bus and Rail:

Metro Bus Lines 126, 207, 210, 710, 757 and the Metro Green Line.

What to bring: Bring water, a snack and a bicycle in good working order. This ride is FREE and open to anyone, but all participants should be able to ride a bike safely with the ability to brake, change gears, and balance while stopping and starting. All participants under 18 MUST wear a helmet and be escorted by a parent or guardian. Children under age 8 should be on a tag-a-long, bike trailer, tandem or other safe child-carrying device to participate in the ride.

About From Lot to Spot (FLTS): From Lot to Spot was founded in 2007 as a direct result of the relationship between lack of accessible green space and the quality of life in low- income neighborhoods. FLTS’s unique approach involves grass root, community engagement to ensure disadvantaged communities contribute their voice in developing healthy spaces in their neighborhoods. In the last five years, FLTS has worked on healthy living community engagement projects in several low-income, communities of color.

The idea comes from looking at neighborhoods that are in need of social and recreational spaces or ‘spots.’ These ‘spots’ are necessary for children to play, for adults to engage in health and wellness opportunities and for neighborhoods to grow and thrive. We aim to convert vacant LOTS into urban SPOTS and we do so by planning with communities, not just for them.